The hotel manager was just a lackey of the Sharp family.Normally, Drake would never tolerate such actions."Debra is there. If we make a scene, she might blame me for ruining her plan," Drake replied, glancing at his watch.It was eight o'clock. At the latest, the party would end by 11.He ordered, "Keep your people on watch. If anything happens inside, have them rush in immediately. If anyone suspicious enters, send them in. If no one's out by 11, smash the hotel.""Yes, boss."...At the hotel, the socialites walked the red carpet, attracting reporters to snap pictures.Such parties always made it to newspapers and magazines and might even show up on international news.Debra, in her mermaid gown, was the center of attention. Liza realized that everyone else was wearing black gowns, while only Debra stood out.Liza whispered, "You're the lucky dog, the star among us.""Star? I don't think so," Debra replied."Anyway, lucky you. You're the woman of the hour," Liza muttere
The atmosphere felt like a cult ritual. It was creepy and unnerving. "Where are the organizers? Get them out here.""Yeah. You invited us to the banquet, and now there's nothing? What's going on?""Do you even know who we are? If you mess with us, even Sunshine won't save you. We won't let this slide."The voices of the socialites kept rising until a sudden beam of light illuminated a spot on the second floor. There weren't any seats, just a large door.A woman in a black gown stepped through. When everyone saw her, they froze.Among them, Liza was the most shocked because the woman was none other than Cathryn.In just a few days, Cathryn had changed so much. Her complexion looked healthier, and her eyes were colder. She looked down at everyone with contempt."I thought it was someone important. Isn't this Ms. Bernard?""After all that scandal, how dare she show her face here?""Don't tell me you're the designer. If I had known you designed these ugly clothes, I would've rat
"She has lost her mind," murmured the socialites.Ever since Cathryn betrayed her and tried to kill Debra, Liza had thought she was insane.But Liza hadn't foreseen the craziness of such intensity. Cathryn intended to kill everyone present.Liza shouted, "I was blind enough to make friends with someone like you.""Shut up!" Cathryn growled. "You never saw me as a friend. In your mind, I was just your lapdog. Just because you're the daughter of the Eaton family, my father forced me to tolerate you in everything. I had to tag along when you wanted to go shopping. You told me to jump, and I asked how high. You don't deserve to talk to me like that."Liza was rendered speechless.Cathryn ignored her and turned to look at her mortal enemy, Debra."Debra, my ultimate prey. I've drained my fortune to trap you here. This is where it ends between us. You stole the man I love, so I'll make sure he loses you forever," she said, her eyes burning with hatred.She had been waiting for this d
If Debra hadn't retreated early, the consequences would have been unthinkable."How did you know Cathryn was targeting you?" asked Liza."My white dress said it all," Debra whispered, leading her to hide further. "This place isn't safe. Sooner or later, they'll find us. You need to do exactly what I say.""Do what?" Liza was scared.Debra quickly laid out her plan. "First, take off your high heels to save energy. Second, the second floor is safer. Head up there and hide. Those so-called hunters won't dare come too close. Third, if you're spotted by other socialites, join forces with them and say you want to help catch me.""How can I do that?" Liza was worried."If you're the only one who doesn't want to catch me, they'll treat you like a traitor. They'll sell you out to the hunters, and you'll be done for." Debra organized her thoughts. "Cathryn is desperate, not planning to leave alive. Her promise is a lie. She won't spare anyone. This is a deadly game. What we need to do isn'
The socialites panicked and frantically chased after Debra. Her white dress was too conspicuous, attracting those hunters too.Liza seized the moment and took the elevator to the second floor. In the seating area, those masked figures were still watching the game unfold.Liza steadied her breathing and hid in the corner. Everyone's attention was focused downstairs, so no one noticed her."Help!" screamed one of the socialites as she was dragged away by the hunters.Liza's heart was in her throat until Debra ran out of sight.The socialites had no idea that once Debra was caught, the game would end early, and everyone would die.Soon, Liza noticed that Cathryn was gone. Before she could look more closely, another scream echoed from the hall. "Help! I don't want to die."Liza clenched the hem of her dress, her breathing becoming shaky.In the meantime, two socialites cornered Debra."We don't want this, but there are no other choices," they said, lunging at her.These socialite
"Be careful. If necessary, I'll step in," Frederic said."But most of the time, you can't, right?" Debra replied.There were too many hunters here. If Frederic's identity was exposed, it would only complicate things further."Don't worry. I can take care of myself," she said, glancing at her secret weapon.It was a watch given by Juan. It had a built-in emergency alert system but required a signal to work. Now the entire venue was under a signal block.Earlier, she had been running around the second floor not just to buy Liza time, but also to search for a signal and track down Cathryn.Now that she knew Cathryn was on the fifth floor, there was no need to linger on the second."Thanks. I owe you one," Debra said.Frederic tossed her a small folding knife. "Just remember that."Then he hoisted one of the fainted socialites onto his shoulder.Debra frowned. "What about them?""Relax," he said. "I'm just putting on a show. I'll leave them somewhere safe.""Alright." Debra kic
In the restaurant's private room, Drake glanced at his watch. It was already 9:15.Over an hour had passed, and he still had no idea what was going on at the party."Mr. Lowe, with Mrs. Houston's and your support, Ivan will have a bright future. Let me offer you another toast," Grover said enthusiastically.Drake only found him loquacious.Suddenly, his phone rang. He looked down and saw a number flashing on the screen. The contact was not saved, but he knew the number all too well.As soon as he answered the call, Marion's anxious voice came through."The party is a trap. Get your people inside now.""What?"The air around Drake instantly turned cold.Grover noticed the change in his expression and asked, "Mr. Lowe, what's going on?"Drake abruptly grabbed him by the neck, seething. "You old fool, how dare you play tricks on me? If anything happens to Debra, your family will be buried with her."He grabbed his coat from the back of his chair and barked at Kale, "Get the car
Before the four bodyguards could move, Debra shouted, "Cathryn, the rules of the game only say the hunters can chase, but it never said the bodyguards could join in."Cathryn snorted, "I made the rules. I can change them as I like. Grab her!""Yes, ma'am." The four bodyguards charged at Debra.She took a few steps back and said, "Have you thought about the consequences?"The bodyguards didn't flinch. She continued, "How much did Cathryn pay you? I can double it."But they were not swayed.Cathryn laughed out loud, "Stop wasting your breath. No one is going to help you tonight. You're dead meat."As the four bodyguards closed in, Debra took a deep breath, ready to fight.Unfortunately, the staircase was too narrow for her movements. Within minutes, she started to sweat.Just then, a figure appeared in front of her, kicking the hunters rushing up the stairs back down. He grabbed Debra's hand and pulled her toward the exit, with the bodyguards hot on their heels."If this goes o
"What? Mrs. Houston would never do something like this. Maybe the car hit a nail on the road," replied the guard."What are you waiting for?" Melody sulked. "Get a car to send us back."It was a scorching summer day. She wouldn't just walk home like that.The guard hesitated. "I'm sorry, Madam. Mr. Andrew Potter took all the cars out today. There's nothing available to send you back."Melody's face darkened. "Are you telling me the Nichols family doesn't have a few cars to spare?"She was already upset about giving all her savings to Debra, and this incident was the last straw.The guard explained, "Mr. Andrew Potter is thrifty. I'm sorry, but you might have to walk about two kilometers to the commercial street to catch a ride. Mr. Andrew Potter likes his quiet, so no cars are allowed in this area."Melody was furious. "You did it on purpose."Erica came out of the house. "What are you talking about? We've always been polite to our guests. Well, there is one vehicle available,
At the Potter Mansion, Melody laid everything she owned on the table."This is all my savings. When can I get that 10% share?" she asked.Debra was amazed by the dazzling collection of treasures. She clicked her tongue. "They say no one in Seamar City understands jewelry better than you. True that. Your lifetime's collection is breathtaking."Melody was not flattered at all. Her mood soured even further.Debra picked up a bracelet from the table. "Take this bracelet, for example. Its value must be millions. I have to say, an impeccable eye."Melody picked up the sarcasm in her tone. "Yes, these things are fine. But now, they're all yours."Debra set the bracelet down, her smile unwavering. "Well, business is business. I need some assurance before I can help you. Now that I've seen your collection, I feel much more at ease. Don't worry. You'll have your 10% share within seven days.""Why do I have to wait seven days?" Melody grumbled, dissatisfied.Debra sighed, "I don't want to
Melody was weak, her breaths shallow."Joe has been waiting outside," Sophie said. "I'll let him in now."Joe came in and stood by the bed. "Madam, what can I do for you?""I plan to use all my savings to buy back the 10% shares.""Madam..."Joe hesitated, knowing what they were facing. If Melody did that, she would have nothing left."I've made up my mind. Help me up first.""Yes, Madam."Joe assisted her to stand. Melody slowly walked to the safe and used her fingerprint to open it. Inside, there was only a set of keys and a card.Melody took them. "Wait for me downstairs. We'll go to the vault in half an hour."Joe was taken aback. The vault was a secure storage facility for the rich, housing anything from jewelry to property deeds. It was said to be as secure as a national treasury, impossible to breach."Madam, are you planning to give all your money to Debra?" he asked."What else can I do?" Melody replied bitterly. "I can't let the shares fall into outsiders' hands."
"Will you harm Debra?""Never.""Mark your words."Marion wrapped up the talk and left the room....Downstairs, Debra and Erica were chatting with Randy.When Marion came down, Randy muttered, "What took you so long? Drake's already gone."Marion hummed in response, uninterested in anything about Drake.Debra asked, "Did the conversation not go well?""Seriously?" Randy sighed. "Even you couldn't get Andrew to talk? That guy must have a mouth of steel.""Quit rambling nonsense." Erica gave him a light smack on the arm. "After all this chasing around, we still don't know what the treasure is.""At least we know one thing. Andrew knows the truth, right?" Debra chimed in, looking at Marion for confirmation.Marion sighed, "If he doesn't want to talk, no one can make it.""That's true," Randy muttered. "Honestly, who in this world has a tighter mouth than him? No wonder he works in intelligence. He could be the chief of the CIA.""Would you stop running your mouth?" Erica sc
"You mean the Buchan family might use this as an excuse to remove Theda?" Erica asked."Their business wasn't big to begin with. It was Theda's skills that gave them status in Wrastow City. I heard Theda likes to go it alone and has offended many people. Those veterans aren't fond of her. Now that she's caused the Buchan family such losses and lost the Nichols family's support, the elders will want her out. To keep them quiet, she needs leverage," explained Debra.Erica stroked her chin. "So, Theda must repay the company's losses, or those veterans will use this as an excuse to remove her."Debra nodded. "Theda holds a 10% stake in the Nichols Group, but it's her personal asset. It doesn't benefit the Buchans. If she can't sell these shares to fill the deficit, the shareholders won't let it go. So, I'm sure when the news of the Nichols Group selling Buchan Entertainment at a low price reaches Wrastow City, the shareholders will demand Theda to pay for the losses.""Brillant! Let's
"What do you mean?" Debra was confused.She turned to Randy and asked, "Didn't I tell you to pick them up? What's the 250 bucks?""He despised my car and called for a luxury ride. My car was right there in front of him, and the dispatch went to me," Randy explained.Erica grabbed his ear and asked, "When did you start picking up fares behind my back?""Ow, it hurts!" Randy yelped. "I'm just making a little extra money. I've helped Marion run errands a lot. Picking up someone along the way is nothing unusual.""Including girls?" she asked.Randy smiled obsequiously, "Well, it's the system dispatching. Sometimes I don't even know if it's a guy or a girl, but my front seat is reserved only for you."Erica let go of him. "That's more like it."Drake had no time for their banter."When can I take office?""Just wait a little longer.""Wait?""In 24 hours, I'll make sure you take office of the Nichols Group."Erica whispered to Randy, "I've never seen anyone so eager to start wo
"Forget it," Marion chimed in. "I'll ask him when we get back."Among them, he knew Andrew best.Debra's phone suddenly rang, attracting everyone's attention.She held it up and said, "It's probably a scam call."Marion pressed the Answer button, and Drake's voice came through."Debra? Tell Marion to send someone to pick me up at Seamar City Airport."Randy almost slammed on the brakes. "Wasn't this supposed to be a scam call? Why is this guy here?""Randy?" Drake sneered over the phone. "Let this guy pick me up."He hung up, and Debra gaped at the screen. "Did he change his number?""No, you just never saved it," Marion replied....An hour later, at Seamar City Airport, Drake and Kale were still waiting."Boss, do you think Mrs. Houston is not coming?" Kale asked tentatively.Drake checked his watch. "Marion burned down my house. I haven't settled that score yet. Picking me up is the least he can do.""You're right, boss," Kale agreed.Soon, a black Cadillac pulled up
Caleb asked, "What was recorded in those accounts? Do you remember?"Debra replied, "The accounts showed some strange discrepancies. The income and expenses for the Fraizer, Osborne, and Houston families didn't match up. There were big differences in food and goods records, with a combined loss of 1.2 million. Meanwhile, the Potter family gained the same amount that same year. Marion and I believed the three families were subsidizing the Potter family.""Subsidizing the Potter family," Caleb muttered in thought. "Let me think this over."Randy blurted, "What's there to think about? It's obvious. The Potter family's leader was obsessed with intelligence gathering and clueless about everything else. In the end, we had to cover for them."Erica smacked the back of his head. "Do you ever think before you speak? Look at Andrew now. Does he look like someone who doesn't know how to make money?""It doesn't mean his dad or ancestors were good at it," Randy retorted.While they were bick
"I know my dad. If there was a family heirloom, he might have stacked it away," Randy said thoughtfully."Why?" Debra was puzzled.Randy shook his head. "Not everyone is like Marion's parents. They were true love to each other."Debra didn't get his meaning. Erica leaned in and whispered, "Randy's parents had an arranged marriage. They both had someone they liked.""I see," Debra murmured.It was just surprising that Randy turned out so carefree despite the situation in his family.Randy added, "I'll go home and ask my dad. If we find it, then we can confirm that the Nichols family took the gem from the Frazier family."Everyone nodded in agreement.Debra turned to Caleb. "Grandpa, you said these four rings are the symbols of the Four Great Families. What's the secret behind them? Is it the treasure of Seamar City?"Caleb sat down, recalling the past. "The treasure of Seamar City is just a legend. My father came here during the wars of the last century. The four families each